YNP bison population estimated at 3,000
From staff reports, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
August 9, 2008
After humans killed roughly 1,700 Yellowstone bison that left the park boundary last winter, park biologists estimate the park population, including new calves, is currently at around 3,000 animals.
The population was estimated at 4,700 bison last summer. The peak population estimate of 4,900 bison was recorded in the summer 2005.
The estimate is based on a series of aerial surveys conducted in July.
In late winter, biologists estimated the herd at between 2,100 and 2,300 adult and yearling bison. Officials now say the winterkill was lower than estimated, and the herd now includes 2,500 adult and yearling bison, and 500 calves of the year, which are equally distributed between the Central Interior and Northern Range herds.
Between wildlife managers slaughtering bison for leaving the park, and deep snowy conditions that made staying in the park difficult for the animals, it was a tough winter for the park’s bison.
State and federal agencies slaughtered more than 900 bison for wandering out of the North Gate and more than 100 animals were also killed during a hunt last fall.
The total mortality this winter brought the Yellowstone bison herd from a high of 4,700 animals last summer to roughly 2,100 animals this spring.
In March, Park Service personnel began capturing bison that were attempting to leave the North Entrance and holding them at the Stephens Creek Bison Capture Facility.
In mid-May, officials released over 300 bison and herded them back into the park.
